Ricciardo to drop five grid places after gearbox change

Daniel Ricciardo’s hopes of scoring a sixth consecutive podium finish have been dealt a blow after Red Bull informed the FIA that they’d be changing the gearbox on the Australian’s car ahead of schedule.

F1 regulations state that gearboxes must be used for six consecutive races, and as Ricciardo’s hasn’t he will now receive an automatic five-place grid drop for Sunday’s race.

It is the second time this season Ricciardo has received such a penalty, following a previous premature switch at the season opener in Australia.

The Australian has been F1’s joint-equal scorer (with championship leader Sebastian Vettel) over the last five races, picking up 85 points and moving up to fourth in the drivers’ standings.